Purpleheart

Purpleheart’s  Color and Appearance

When first cut, purpleheart heartwood appears grayish to purplish brown. After a few days of exposure to light and air, the wood develops a deeper eggplant purple tone. Over time, additional aging from UV light exposure causes the wood to turn dark brown with a slight purple tint. Applying a UV-inhibiting finish can reduce and slow this color change.

Grain and Texture

The grain typically presents as straight, though it may occasionally appear wavy or irregular. It possesses a medium texture and demonstrates notable natural luster.

Workability and Staining Characteristics

Purpleheart poses several challenges: heated or dull tools cause it to release a gummy resin that clogs equipment, it is prone to tearing out when planing against the grain, and it can moderately dull cutters.

Purple heart is not typically stained.  It is admired for its natural purple color.

Purpleheart Specifications

Common Names: Purpleheart, amaranth, roxinho, violeta

Scientific Name: Peltogyne spp.

Average Dried Weight: 2.09 lbs per board foot

Janka Hardness:  2520 Pounds-Force

What to Commission a Piece?

Learn More about the Custom Furniture Design Process

Purple Heart Accents in Furniture

Here are examples of my custom furniture featuring Purple Heart, typically used as an accent color